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Lin H, Lin R, Hou J, Zhu C, Liu G, Lin Y, Su J, Yang M, Yang B, Ma Y, Cheng C, Deng M, Yu B, Xu T, Wu H, Cui Z. Targeting endothelial PDGFR-β facilitates angiogenesis-associated bone formation through the PAK1/NICD axis. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31291. [PMID: 38721633 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The intricate orchestration of osteoporosis (OP) pathogenesis remains elusive. Mounting evidence suggests that angiogenesis-driven osteogenesis serves as a crucial foundation for maintaining bone homeostasis. This study aimed to explore the potential of the endothelial platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) in mitigating bone loss through its facilitation of H-type vessel formation. Our findings demonstrate that the expression level of endothelial PDGFR-β is reduced in samples obtained from individuals suffering from OP, as well as in ovariectomy mice. Depletion of PDGFR-β in endothelial cells ameliorates angiogenesis-mediated bone formation in mice. The regulatory influence of endothelial PDGFR-β on H-type vessels is mediated through the PDGFRβ-P21-activated kinase 1-Notch1 intracellular domain signaling cascade. In particular, the endothelium-specific enhancement of PDGFR-β facilitates H-type vessels and their associated bone formation in OP. Hence, the strategic targeting of endothelial PDGFR-β emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for the management of OP in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hancheng Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongmin Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Hou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chencheng Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanqiao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yihuang Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianwen Su
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mankai Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingsheng Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiyu Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingye Deng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Sleep Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - HangTian Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuang Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Wilson PG, Abdelmoti L, Gao T, Galperin E. The expression of congenital Shoc2 variants induces AKT-dependent crosstalk activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae100. [PMID: 38881369 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The Shoc2 scaffold protein is crucial in transmitting signals within the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-mediated Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK1/2) pathway. While the significance of Shoc2 in this pathway is well-established, the precise mechanisms through which Shoc2 governs signal transmission remain to be fully elucidated. Hereditary variants in Shoc2 are responsible for Noonan Syndrome with Loose anagen Hair (NSLH). However, due to the absence of known enzymatic activity in Shoc2, directly assessing how these variants affect its function is challenging. ERK1/2 phosphorylation is used as a primary parameter of Shoc2 function, but the impact of Shoc2 mutants on the pathway activation is unclear. This study investigates how the NSLH-associated Shoc2 variants influence EGFR signals in the context of the ERK1/2 and AKT downstream signaling pathways. We show that when the ERK1/2 pathway is a primary signaling pathway activated downstream of EGFR, Shoc2 variants cannot upregulate ERK1/2 phosphorylation to the level of the WT Shoc2. Yet, when the AKT and ERK1/2 pathways were activated, in cells expressing Shoc2 variants, ERK1/2 phosphorylation was higher than in cells expressing WT Shoc2. In cells expressing the Shoc2 NSLH mutants, we found that the AKT signaling pathway triggers the PAK activation, followed by phosphorylation of Raf-1/MEK1/2 and activation of the ERK1/2 signaling axis. Hence, our studies reveal a previously unrecognized feedback regulation downstream of the EGFR and provide additional evidence for the role of Shoc2 as a "gatekeeper" in controlling the selection of downstream effectors within the EGFR signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia G Wilson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Lina Abdelmoti
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Tianyan Gao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Emilia Galperin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
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Conway JR, Gillani R, Crowdis J, Reardon B, Park J, Han S, Titchen B, Benamar M, Haq R, Van Allen EM. Somatic structural variants drive distinct modes of oncogenesis in melanoma. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e177270. [PMID: 38758740 PMCID: PMC11213511 DOI: 10.1172/jci177270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The diversity of structural variants (SVs) in melanoma and how they impact oncogenesis are incompletely known. We performed harmonized analysis of SVs across melanoma histologic and genomic subtypes, and we identified distinct global properties between subtypes. These included the frequency and size of SVs and SV classes, their relation to chromothripsis events, and the impact on cancer-related genes of SVs that alter topologically associated domain (TAD) boundaries. Following our prior identification of double-stranded break repair deficiency in a subset of triple-wild-type cutaneous melanoma, we identified MRE11 and NBN loss-of-function SVs in melanomas with this mutational signature. Experimental knockouts of MRE11 and NBN, followed by olaparib cell viability assays in melanoma cells, indicated that dysregulation of each of these genes may cause sensitivity to PARP inhibitors in cutaneous melanomas. Broadly, harmonized analysis of melanoma SVs revealed distinct global genomic properties and molecular drivers, which may have biological and therapeutic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake R. Conway
- Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Riaz Gillani
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jett Crowdis
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brendan Reardon
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jihye Park
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Seunghun Han
- Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Breanna Titchen
- Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Rizwan Haq
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine and
| | - Eliezer M. Van Allen
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine and
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Wang Y, Kim B, Gong S, Park J, Zhu M, Wong EM, Park AY, Chernoff J, Guo F. Control of OPC proliferation and repopulation by the intellectual disability gene PAK1 under homeostatic and demyelinating conditions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.26.591153. [PMID: 38746444 PMCID: PMC11092442 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.26.591153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Appropriate proliferation and repopulation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) determine successful (re)myelination in homeostatic and demyelinating brains. Activating mutations in p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) cause intellectual disability, neurodevelopmental abnormality, and white matter anomaly in children. It remains unclear if and how PAK1 regulates oligodendroglial development. Here, we report that PAK1 controls proliferation and regeneration of OPCs. Unlike differentiating oligodendrocytes, OPCs display high PAK1 activity which maintains them in a proliferative state by modulating PDGFRa-mediated mitogenic signaling. PAK1-deficient or kinase-inhibited OPCs reduce their proliferation capacity and population expansion. Mice carrying OPC-specific PAK1 deletion or kinase inhibition are populated with fewer OPCs in the homeostatic and demyelinated CNS than control mice. Together, our findings suggest that kinase-activating PAK1 mutations stall OPCs in a progenitor state, impacting timely oligodendroglial differentiation in the CNS of affected children and that PAK1 is a potential molecular target for replenishing OPCs in demyelinating lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Bokyung Kim
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Shuaishuai Gong
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Joohyun Park
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Meina Zhu
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Evelyn M. Wong
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Audrey Y. Park
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Department of Neurology, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA 95817
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5
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Zhang Y, Yao L, Chung CR, Huang Y, Li S, Zhang W, Pang Y, Lee TY. KinPred-RNA-kinase activity inference and cancer type classification using machine learning on RNA-seq data. iScience 2024; 27:109333. [PMID: 38523792 PMCID: PMC10959666 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Kinases as important enzymes can transfer phosphate groups from high-energy and phosphate-donating molecules to specific substrates and play essential roles in various cellular processes. Existing algorithms for kinase activity from phosphorylated proteomics data are often costly, requiring valuable samples. Moreover, methods to extract kinase activities from bulk RNA sequencing data remain undeveloped. In this study, we propose a computational framework KinPred-RNA to derive kinase activities from bulk RNA-sequencing data in cancer samples. KinPred-RNA framework, using the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) regression model, outperforms random forest regression, multiple linear regression, and support vector machine regression models in predicting kinase activities from cancer-related RNA sequencing data. Efficient gene signatures from the LINCS-L1000 dataset were used as inputs for KinPred-RNA. The results highlight its potential to be related to biological function. In conclusion, KinPred RNA constitutes a significant advance in cancer research by potentially facilitating the identification of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntian Zhang
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Lantian Yao
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Chia-Ru Chung
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 320953, Taiwan
| | - Yixian Huang
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Shangfu Li
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Wenyang Zhang
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Yuxuan Pang
- Division of Health Medical Intelligence, Human Genome Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tzong-Yi Lee
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDSB), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan
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6
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Hammer A, Diakonova M. Prolactin-induced tyrosyl phosphorylation of PAK1 facilitates epithelial-mesenchymal transition. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001136. [PMID: 38660565 PMCID: PMC11040397 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PAK1 and prolactin (PRL) regulate breast cancer. Prolactin-activated JAK2 tyrosyl phosphorylates PAK1 (pTyr-PAK1). We demonstrate here that pTyr-PAK1 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer cells. PRL treatment of T47D PAK1 WT cells leads to downregulation of E-cadherin surface expression and "ectodomain shedding" (extracellular cleavage of E-cadherin). pTyr-PAK1 increases mRNA levels of Snail, Slug, and Twist2, transcriptional factors implicated in E-cadherin repression. pTyr-PAK1 also significantly increases PRL-dependent Slug activity leading to expression of vimentin, a hallmark of EMT. Thus, our current data on pTyr-PAK1 regulation of EMT bring insight into the role of PAK1 and PRL in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Hammer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Maria Diakonova
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States
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7
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Chen Y, Jiang X, Yuan Y, Chen Y, Wei S, Yu Y, Zhou Q, Yu Y, Wang J, Liu H, Hua X, Yang Z, Chen Z, Li Y, Wang Q, Chen J, Wang Y. Coptisine inhibits neointimal hyperplasia through attenuating Pak1/Pak2 signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells without retardation of re-endothelialization. Atherosclerosis 2024; 391:117480. [PMID: 38447436 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Vascular injury-induced endothelium-denudation and profound vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and dis-regulated apoptosis lead to post-angioplasty restenosis. Coptisine (CTS), an isoquinoline alkaloid, has multiple beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Recent studies identified it selectively inhibits VSMCs proliferation. However, its effects on neointimal hyperplasia, re-endothelialization, and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. METHODS Cell viability was assayed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence of Ki67 and TUNEL. Quantitative phosphoproteomics (QPP) was employed to screen CTS-responsive phosphor-sites in the key regulators of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Neointimal hyperplasia was induced by balloon injury of rat left carotid artery (LCA). Adenoviral gene transfer was conducted in both cultured cells and LCA. Re-endothelialization was evaluated by Evan's blue staining of LCA. RESULTS 1) CTS had strong anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in cultured rat VSMCs, with the EC50 4∼10-folds lower than that in endothelial cells (ECs). 2) Rats administered with CTS, either locally to LCA's periadventitial space or orally, demonstrated a potently inhibited balloon injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia, but had no delaying effect on re-endothelialization. 3) The QPP results revealed that the phosphorylation levels of Pak1S144/S203, Pak2S20/S197, Erk1T202/Y204, Erk2T185/Y187, and BadS136 were significantly decreased in VSMCs by CTS. 4) Adenoviral expression of phosphomimetic mutants Pak1D144/D203/Pak2D20/D197 enhanced Pak1/2 activities, stimulated the downstream pErk1T202/Y204/pErk2T185/Y187/pErk3S189/pBadS136, attenuated CTS-mediated inhibition of VSMCs proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in vitro, and potentiated neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. 5) Adenoviral expression of phosphoresistant mutants Pak1A144/A203/Pak2A20/A197 inactivated Pak1/2 and totally simulated the inhibitory effects of CTS on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated VSMCs proliferation and PDGF-inhibited apoptosis in vitro and neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. 6) LCA injury significantly enhanced the endogenous phosphorylation levels of all but pBadS136. CTS markedly attenuated all the enhanced levels. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that CTS is a promising medicine for prevention of post-angioplasty restenosis without adverse impact on re-endothelialization. CTS-directed suppression of pPak1S144/S203/pPak2S20/S197 and the subsequent effects on downstream pErk1T202/Y204/pErk2T185/Y187/pErk3S189 and pBadS136 underline its mechanisms of inhibition of VSMCs proliferation and stimulation of apoptosis. Therefore, the phosphor-sites of Pak1S144/S203/Pak2S20/S197 constitute a potential drug-screening target for fighting neointimal hyperplasia restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xueze Jiang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China; Department of Cardiology, Baoshan Branch of Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yuchan Yuan
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Sisi Wei
- Children Inherited Metabolism and Endocrine Department, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511400, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Julie Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Med, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuesheng Hua
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhenwei Yang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yigang Li
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qunshan Wang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Yuepeng Wang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Araiza-Olivera D, Prudnikova TY, Uribe-Alvarez C, Cai KQ, Franco-Barraza J, Dones JM, Raines RT, Chernoff J. Identifying and targeting key driver genes for collagen production within the 11q13/14 breast cancer amplicon. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.27.587019. [PMID: 38586042 PMCID: PMC10996585 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.27.587019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Genetic studies indicate that breast cancer can be divided into several basic molecular groups. One of these groups, termed IntClust-2, is characterized by amplification of a small portion of chromosome 11 and has a median survival of only five years. Several cancer-relevant genes occupy this portion of chromosome 11, and it is thought that overexpression of a combination of driver genes in this region is responsible for the poor outcome of women in this group. In this study we used a gene editing method to knock out, one by one, each of 198 genes that are located within the amplified region of chromosome 11 and determined how much each of these genes contributed to the survival of breast cancer cells. In addition to well-known drivers such as CCND1 and PAK1 , we identified two different genes ( SERPINH1 and P4HA3 ), that encode proteins involved in collagen synthesis and organization. Using both in vitro and in vivo functional analyses, we determined that P4HA3 and/or SERPINH1 provide a critical driver function on IntClust-2 basic processes, such as viability, proliferation, and migration. Inhibiting these enzymes via genetic or pharmacologic means reduced collagen synthesis and impeded oncogenic signaling transduction in cell culture models, and a small-molecule inhibitor of P4HA3 was effective in treating 11q13 tumor growth in an animal model. As collagen has a well-known association with tissue stiffness and aggressive forms of breast cancer, we believe that the two genes we identified provide an opportunity for a new therapeutic strategy in IntClust-2 breast cancers.
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Wilson P, Abdelmoti L, Gao T, Galperin E. The expression of congenital Shoc2 variants induces AKT-dependent feedback activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.23.573219. [PMID: 38187642 PMCID: PMC10769455 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.23.573219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The Shoc2 scaffold protein is crucial in transmitting signals within the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-mediated Extracellular signal-regulated Kinase (ERK1/2) pathway. While the significance of Shoc2 in this pathway is well-established, the precise mechanisms through which Shoc2 governs signal transmission remain to be fully elucidated. Hereditary mutations in Shoc2 are responsible for Noonan Syndrome with Loose anagen Hair (NSLH). However, due to the absence of known enzymatic activity in Shoc2, directly assessing how these mutations affect its function is challenging. ERK1/2 phosphorylation is used as a primary parameter of Shoc2 function, but the impact of Shoc2 mutants on the pathway activation is unclear. This study investigates how the NSLH-associated Shoc2 variants influence EGFR signals in the context of the ERK1/2 and AKT downstream signaling pathways. We show that when the ERK1/2 pathway is a primary signaling pathway activated downstream of EGFR, Shoc2 variants cannot upregulate ERK1/2 phosphorylation to the level of the WT Shoc2. Yet, when the AKT and ERK1/2 pathways were activated, in cells expressing Shoc2 variants, ERK1/2 phosphorylation was higher than in cells expressing WT Shoc2. We found that, in cells expressing the Shoc2 NSLH mutants, the AKT signaling pathway triggers the PAK activation, followed by phosphorylation and Raf-1/MEK1/2 /ERK1/2 signaling axis activation. Hence, our studies reveal a previously unrecognized feedback regulation downstream of the EGFR and provide evidence for the Shoc2 role as a "gatekeeper" in controlling the selection of downstream effectors within the EGFR signaling network.
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Luo Q, Raulston EG, Prado MA, Wu X, Gritsman K, Yan K, Booth CAG, Xu R, van Galen P, Doench JG, Shimony S, Long HW, Neuberg DS, Paulo JA, Lane AA. Targetable leukemia dependency on noncanonical PI3Kγ signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.15.571909. [PMID: 38328043 PMCID: PMC10849582 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.15.571909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kγ) is implicated as a target to repolarize tumor-associated macrophages and promote anti-tumor immune responses in solid cancers. However, cancer cell-intrinsic roles of PI3Kγ are unclear. Here, by integrating unbiased genome-wide CRISPR interference screening with functional analyses across acute leukemias, we define a selective dependency on the PI3Kγ complex in a high-risk subset that includes myeloid, lymphoid, and dendritic lineages. This dependency is characterized by innate inflammatory signaling and activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase regulatory subunit 5 ( PIK3R5 ), which encodes a regulatory subunit of PI3Kγ and stabilizes the active enzymatic complex. Mechanistically, we identify p21 (RAC1) activated kinase 1 (PAK1) as a noncanonical substrate of PI3Kγ that mediates this cell-intrinsic dependency independently of Akt kinase. PI3Kγ inhibition dephosphorylates PAK1, activates a transcriptional network of NFκB-related tumor suppressor genes, and impairs mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. We find that treatment with the selective PI3Kγ inhibitor eganelisib is effective in leukemias with activated PIK3R5 , either at baseline or by exogenous inflammatory stimulation. Notably, the combination of eganelisib and cytarabine prolongs survival over either agent alone, even in patient-derived leukemia xenografts with low baseline PIK3R5 expression, as residual leukemia cells after cytarabine treatment have elevated G protein-coupled purinergic receptor activity and PAK1 phosphorylation. Taken together, our study reveals a targetable dependency on PI3Kγ/PAK1 signaling that is amenable to near-term evaluation in patients with acute leukemia.
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Wang H, Zhou Y, Chu C, Xiao J, Zheng S, Korpal M, Korn JM, Penaloza T, Drake RR, Gan W, Gao X. Generating a Murine PTEN Null Cell Line to Discover the Key Role of p110β-PAK1 in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Invasion. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:1317-1328. [PMID: 37606694 PMCID: PMC10841189 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Although androgen deprivation treatment often effectively decreases prostate cancer, incurable metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) eventually occurs. It is important to understand how CRPC metastasis progresses, which is not clearly defined. The loss of PTEN, a phosphatase to dephosphorylate phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate in the PI3K pathway, occurs in up to 70% to 80% of CRPC. We generated a mouse androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line (PKO) from PTEN null and Hi-Myc transgenic mice in C57BL/6 background. We confirmed that this PKO cell line has an activated PI3K pathway and can metastasize into the femur and tibia of immunodeficient nude and immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. In vitro, we found that androgen deprivation significantly enhanced PKO cell migration/invasion via the p110β isoform-depended PAK1-MAPK activation. Inhibition of the p110β-PAK1 axis significantly decreased prostate cancer cell migration/invasion. Of note, our analysis using clinical samples showed that PAK1 is more activated in CRPC than in advanced prostate cancer; high PAK1/phosphorylated-PAK1 levels are associated with decreased survival rates in patients with CRPC. All the information suggests that this cell line reflects the characteristics of CRPC cells and can be applied to dissect the mechanism of CRPC initiation and progression. This study also shows that PAK1 is a potential target for CRPC treatment. IMPLICATIONS This study uses a newly generated PTEN null prostate cancer cell line to define a critical functional role of p110β-PAK1 in CRPC migration/invasion. This study also shows that the p110β-PAK1 axis can potentially be a therapeutic target in CRPC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhen Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Yu Zhou
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chen Chu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jialing Xiao
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shanshan Zheng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Manav Korpal
- Oncology Disease Area, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua M Korn
- Oncology Disease Area, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tiffany Penaloza
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Richard R. Drake
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Wenjian Gan
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Xueliang Gao
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Zhang Q, Zheng L, Bai Y, Su C, Che Y, Xu J, Sun K, Ni J, Huang L, Shen Y, Jia L, Xu L, Yin R, Li M, Hu J. ITPR1-AS1 promotes small cell lung cancer metastasis by facilitating P21 HRAS splicing and stabilizing DDX3X to activate the cRaf-MEK-ERK cascade. Cancer Lett 2023; 577:216426. [PMID: 37820992 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the metastasis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remain largely unknown. Here, we identified that the lncRNA ITPR1-AS1 was upregulated in SCLC and lymph node metastasis tissues and positively correlated with SCLC malignant features. The overexpression of ITPR1-AS1 in SCLC was an independent risk factor for the overall survival of patients with SCLC. Our data confirmed that ITPR1-AS1 induces SCLC cell metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ITPR1-AS1 acts as a scaffold to enhance the interaction between SRC-associated in mitosis 68 kDa and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1, which facilitates the alternative splicing of the H-Ras proto-oncogene (HRAS) pre-mRNA (P21HRAS). Moreover, we observed that ITPR1-AS1 could associate in a complex with and maintain the stability of DEAD-box polypeptide 3 (DDX3X), which inhibited the latter's ubiquitination and degradation. Our data provide evidence that ITPR1-AS1 activates the cRaf-MEK-ERK cascade by upregulating P21HRAS production and stabilizing DDX3X, to promote SCLC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanli Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; Department of Scientific Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Limin Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yongkang Bai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Chi Su
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Yuru Che
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jiawen Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Kemin Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Jie Ni
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Lingli Huang
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Lili Jia
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Rong Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; Department of Scientific Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
| | - Jingwen Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China; The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
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Zhang J, Chen X, Chen G, Wang H, Jia L, Hao Y, Yao D. Identification of a novel PAK1/HDAC6 dual inhibitor ZMF-23 that triggers tubulin-stathmin regulated cell death in triple negative breast cancer. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 251:126348. [PMID: 37586623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most poorly treated subtype of breast cancer, and targeting the heterogeneity of TNBC has emerged as a fascinating therapeutic strategy. In this study, we propose for the first time that dual-targeting PAK1 and HDAC6 is a promising novel strategy for TNBC treatment due to their essential roles in the regulation of energy metabolism and epigenetic modification. We discovered a novel dual-targeting PAK1/HDAC6 inhibitor, 6 - (2-(cyclopropylamino) - 6 - (2,4-dichlorophenyl) - 7 - oxopyrido [2,3-d] pyrimidin - 8 (7H) -yl) - N-hydroxyhexanamide (ZMF-23), which presented profound inhibitory activity against PAK1 and HDAC6 and robust antiproliferative potency in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, SPR and CETSA assay demonstrated the targeted binding of ZMF-23 with PAK1/HDAC6. Mechanically, ZMF-23 strongly inhibited the cellular PAK1 and HDAC6 activity, impeded PAK1 and HDAC6 regulated aerobic glycolysis and migration. By RNA-seq analysis, ZMF-23 was found to induce TNF-α-regulated necroptosis, which further enhanced apoptosis. Additionally, ZMF-23 triggered PAK1-tubulin/HDAC6-Stathmin regulated microtubule structure changes, which further induced the G2/M cycle arrest. Moreover, prominent anti-proliferative effect of ZMF-23 was confirmed in the TNBC xenograft zebrafish and mouse model via PAK1 and HDAC6 inhibition. Collectively, ZMF-23 is a novel dual PAK1/HDAC6 inhibitor with TNBC treatment potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xiya Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Hailing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Lin Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China.
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Dahong Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China.
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Li CF, Chan TC, Fang FM, Yu SC, Huang HY. PAK1 overexpression promotes myxofibrosarcoma angiogenesis through STAT5B-mediated CSF2 transactivation: clinical and therapeutic relevance of amplification and nuclear entry. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3920-3936. [PMID: 37564209 PMCID: PMC10411477 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Myxofibrosarcoma is genetically complex without established nonsurgical therapies. In public datasets, PAK1 was recurrently gained with mRNA upregulation. Using myxofibrosarcoma cells, we explored the oncogenic underpinning of PAK1 with genetic manipulation and a pan-PAK inhibitor (PF3758309). Myxofibrosarcoma specimens were analyzed for the levels of PAK1, phospho-PAKT423, CSF2 and microvascular density (MVD) and those of PAK1 gene and mRNA. PAK1-expressing xenografts were assessed for the effects of PF3758309 and CSF2 silencing. Besides pro-proliferative and pro-migrator/pro-invasive attributes, PAK1 strongly enhanced angiogenesis in vitro, which, not phenocopied by PAK2-4, was identified as CSF2-mediated using antibody arrays. PAK1 underwent phosphorylation at tyrosines153,201,285 and threonine423 to facilitate nuclear entry, whereby nuclear PAK1 bound STAT5B to co-transactivate the CSF2 promoter, increasing CSF2 secretion needed for angiogenesis. Angiogenesis driven by PAK1-upregulated CSF2 was negated by CSF2 silencing, anti-CSF2, and PF3758309. Clinically, overexpressed whole-cell phospho-PAKT423, related to PAK1 amplification, was associated with increased grades, stages, and PAK1 mRNA, higher MVD, and CSF2 overexpression. Overexpressed whole-cell phospho-PAKT423 and CSF2 independently portended shorter metastasis-free survival and disease-specific survival, respectively. In vivo, both CSF2 silencing and PF3758309 suppressed PAK1-driven tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. Conclusively, the nuclear entry of overexpressed/activated PAK1 endows myxofibrosarcomas with pro-angiogenic function, highlighting the vulnerable PAK1/STAT5B/CSF2 regulatory axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Feng Li
- Department of Medical Research, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Precision Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ti-Chun Chan
- Department of Medical Research, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Min Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chen Yu
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Ying Huang
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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15
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Skjervold AH, Valla M, Ytterhus B, Bofin AM. PAK1 copy number in breast cancer-Associations with proliferation and molecular subtypes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287608. [PMID: 37368917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is known to be overexpressed in several human tumour types, including breast cancer (BC). It is located on chromosome 11 (11q13.5-q14.1) and plays a significant role in proliferation in BC. In this study we aimed to assess PAK1 gene copy number (CN) in primary breast tumours and their corresponding lymph node metastases, and associations between PAK1 CN and proliferation status, molecular subtype, and prognosis. In addition, we aimed to study associations between CNs of PAK1 and CCND1. Both genes are located on the long arm of chromosome 11 (11q13). METHODS Fluorescence in situ hybridization for PAK1 and Chromosome enumeration probe (CEP)11 were used on tissue microarray sections from a series of 512 BC cases. Copy numbers were estimated by counting the number of fluorescent signals for PAK1 and CEP11 in 20 tumour cell nuclei. Pearson's x2 test was performed to assess associations between PAK1 CN and tumour features, and between PAK1 and CCND1 CNs. Cumulative risk of death from BC and hazard ratios were estimated in analysis of prognosis. RESULTS We found mean PAK1 CN ≥4<6 in 26 (5.1%) tumours, and CN ≥ 6 in 22 (4.3%) tumours. The proportion of cases with copy number increase (mean CN ≥4) was highest among HER2 type and Luminal B (HER2-) tumours. We found an association between PAK1 CN increase, and high proliferation, and high histological grade, but not prognosis. Of cases with PAK1 CN ≥ 6, 30% also had CCND1 CN ≥ 6. CONCLUSIONS PAK1 copy number increase is associated with high proliferation and high histological grade, but not with prognosis. PAK1 CN increase was most frequent in the HER2 type and Luminal B (HER2-) subtype. PAK1 CN increase is associated with CN increase of CCND1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette H Skjervold
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit Valla
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Pathology, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Borgny Ytterhus
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anna M Bofin
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Belli S, Esposito D, Allotta A, Servetto A, Ciciola P, Pesapane A, Ascione CM, Napolitano F, Di Mauro C, Vigliar E, Iaccarino A, De Angelis C, Bianco R, Formisano L. Pak1 pathway hyper-activation mediates resistance to endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors in ER+ breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2023; 9:48. [PMID: 37258566 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00556-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have been approved in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) to treat estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) metastatic breast cancer (BC). However, drug resistance represents the leading cause of breast cancer patients mortality. This study aimed to identify novel resistance mechanisms to ER antagonists in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors. We generated two ER+ BC cell lines, T47D and MCF7, resistant to the combination of the ER antagonist fulvestrant and CDK4/6i abemaciclib, named T47D-FAR and MCF7-FAR. Transcriptomic analysis revealed common up-regulation of genes involved in MAPK and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways in FAR cells, sustaining their hyper-invasive phenotype and increased anchorage-independent growth, compared to sensitive cells. FAR cells showed higher p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) expression and phosphorylation levels than parental cells. PAK1 knockdown by siRNAs hampered cell proliferation, reduced anchorage-independent growth and invasive properties of T47D-FAR and MCF7-FAR, re-sensitizing them to fulvestrant and abemaciclib. Conversely, over-expression of PAK1 in MCF7 and T47D cells increased tumor spheroids' growth and invasion and reduced sensitivity to fulvestrant and abemaciclib, confirming its role in inducing drug resistance. Finally, treatment with Pak1 inhibitors, PF-3758309 (PF309) and NVS-PAK1-1, restored cell sensitivity to fulvestrant and abemaciclib of MCF7-FAR and T47D-FAR cells, both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our data suggested a pivotal role for Pak1 in resistance to ET and CDK4/6i in ER+ breast cancers. These data might promote the rationale for the development of novel Pak1 inhibitors for treatment of patients with ER+ BC progressing on ET plus CDK4/6i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Belli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Esposito
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Allotta
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Servetto
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Ciciola
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ada Pesapane
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia M Ascione
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Napolitano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Di Mauro
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Vigliar
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonino Iaccarino
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine De Angelis
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Bianco
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Formisano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Xu M, Li H, Chen D, Wu H, Wen W, Xu H, Frank J, Chen G, Luo J. Adolescent- and adult-initiated alcohol exposure in mice differentially promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis of breast cancer. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:251-262. [PMID: 36462938 PMCID: PMC10906809 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol exposure increases the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol consumption by adolescents is a serious social and public health issue. This study investigated the impact of adolescent alcohol consumption on mammary tumorigenesis and progression and compared it to that of adult alcohol exposure in animal models. METHODS Female adolescent (5 weeks) and adult (8 weeks) MMTV-Wnt1 mice were exposed to alcohol either chronically or acutely. For chronic alcohol exposure, animals were fed a liquid diet containing 6.7% ethanol for 23 weeks. For acute exposure, animals were treated with ethanol (2.5 g/kg, 25% w/v) via intraperitoneal (IP) injection for 15 days. RESULTS In control animals, the tumor latency was 18.5 to 22 weeks. Both chronic and acute alcohol exposure in adolescent mice significantly shortened the tumor latency to 9.5 and 8.4 weeks, respectively. However, adult-initiated alcohol exposure had little effect on the tumor latency. Both adolescent- and adult-initiated alcohol exposure significantly increased lung metastasis. Adolescent-initiated alcohol exposure but not adult-initiated alcohol exposure increased the breast cancer stem cell population. Adolescent-initiated alcohol exposure significantly altered the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells, ductal growth, and the formation of terminal end buds in the mammary glands. Adolescent-initiated alcohol exposure but not adult-initiated alcohol exposure increased estradiol levels in the blood. Acute adolescent alcohol exposure also significantly increased blood progesterone levels. Furthermore, adolescent-initiated alcohol exposure activated PAK1 and p38γ MAPK, critical regulators of mammary tumorigenesis and aggressiveness, respectively, while adult-initiated alcohol exposure activated only p38γ MAPK. In addition, both adolescent and adult alcohol exposure significantly decreased the levels of a prognostic marker miR200b. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent-initiated alcohol exposure enhanced both tumorigenesis and aggressiveness of mammary tumors, while adult-initiated alcohol exposure mainly promoted tumor metastasis. Thus, adolescent mice were more sensitive than adult mice in response to alcohol-induced tumor promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Danlei Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Huaxun Wu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wen Wen
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Jacqueline Frank
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
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18
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Janacova L, Stenckova M, Lapcik P, Hrachovinova S, Bouchalova P, Potesil D, Hrstka R, Müller P, Bouchal P. Catechol-O-methyl transferase suppresses cell invasion and interplays with MET signaling in estrogen dependent breast cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1285. [PMID: 36690660 PMCID: PMC9870911 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28078-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) is involved in detoxification of catechol estrogens, playing cancer-protective role in cells producing or utilizing estrogen. Moreover, COMT suppressed migration potential of breast cancer (BC) cells. To delineate COMT role in metastasis of estrogen receptor (ER) dependent BC, we investigated the effect of COMT overexpression on invasion, transcriptome, proteome and interactome of MCF7 cells, a luminal A BC model, stably transduced with lentiviral vector carrying COMT gene (MCF7-COMT). 2D and 3D assays revealed that COMT overexpression associates with decreased cell invasion (p < 0.0001 for Transwell assay, p < 0.05 for spheroid formation). RNA-Seq and LC-DIA-MS/MS proteomics identified genes associated with invasion (FTO, PIR, TACSTD2, ANXA3, KRT80, S100P, PREX1, CLEC3A, LCP1) being downregulated in MCF7-COMT cells, while genes associated with less aggressive phenotype (RBPMS, ROBO2, SELENBP, EPB41L2) were upregulated both at transcript (|log2FC|> 1, adj. p < 0.05) and protein (|log2FC|> 0.58, q < 0.05) levels. Importantly, proteins driving MET signaling were less abundant in COMT overexpressing cells, and pull-down confirmed interaction between COMT and Kunitz-type protease inhibitor 2 (SPINT2), a negative regulator of MET (log2FC = 5.10, q = 1.04-7). In conclusion, COMT may act as tumor suppressor in ER dependent BC not only by detoxification of catechol estrogens but also by suppressing cell invasion and interplay with MET pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Janacova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Stenckova
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Lapcik
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Hrachovinova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Bouchalova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Potesil
- Proteomics Core Facility, Central European Institute for Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Hrstka
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Müller
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Bouchal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Impact. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246245. [PMID: 36551730 PMCID: PMC9776845 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiangiogenic drugs were the only mainstay of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment from 2007 to 2017. However, primary or secondary resistance hampered their efficacy. Primary resistance could be due to different molecular and/or genetic characteristics of HCC and their knowledge would clarify the optimal treatment approach in each patient. Several molecular mechanisms responsible for secondary resistance have been discovered over the last few years; they represent potential targets for new specific drugs. In this light, the advent of checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been a new opportunity; however, their use has highlighted other issues: the vascular normalization compared to a vessel pruning to promote the delivery of an active cancer immunotherapy and the development of resistance to immunotherapy which leads to a better selection of patients as candidates for ICIs. Nevertheless, the combination of antiangiogenic therapy plus ICIs represents an intriguing approach with high potential to improve the survival of these patients. Waiting for results from ongoing clinical trials, this review depicts the current knowledge about the resistance to antiangiogenic drugs in HCC. It could also provide updated information to clinicians focusing on the most effective combinations or sequential approaches in this regard, based on molecular mechanisms.
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20
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Chow HY, Karchugina S, Groendyke BJ, Toenjes S, Hatcher J, Donovan KA, Fischer ES, Abalakov G, Faezov B, Dunbrack R, Gray NS, Chernoff J. Development and Utility of a PAK1-Selective Degrader. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15627-15641. [PMID: 36416208 PMCID: PMC10029980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of PAK1, a druggable kinase, is common in several malignancies, and inhibition of PAK1 by small molecules has been shown to impede the growth and survival of such cells. Potent inhibitors of PAKs 1-3 have been described, but clinical development has been hindered by recent findings that PAK2 function is required for normal cardiovascular function in adult mice. A unique allosteric PAK1-selective inhibitor, NVS-PAK1-1, provides a potential path forward, but has modest potency. Here, we report the development of BJG-05-039, a PAK1-selective degrader consisting of NVS-PAK1-1 conjugated to lenalidomide, a recruiter of the E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate adaptor Cereblon. BJG-05-039 induced selective degradation of PAK1 and displayed enhanced anti-proliferative effects relative to its parent compound in PAK1-dependent, but not PAK2-dependent, cell lines. Our findings suggest that selective PAK1 degradation may confer more potent pharmacological effects compared with catalytic inhibition and highlight the potential advantages of PAK1-targeted degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Yee Chow
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China 610041
| | | | - Brian J. Groendyke
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Current address: Blueprint Medicines, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Sean Toenjes
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - John Hatcher
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Katherine A. Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Eric S. Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | | | - Bulat Faezov
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation, 420008
| | | | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
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21
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Li F, Tan B, Chen Z, Zhao Q, Li S, Ding P, Liu C, Wang X, Li X, Li Y. Long non-coding RNA CNALPTC1 promotes gastric cancer progression by regulating the miR-6788-5p/PAK1 pathway. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:2809-2822. [PMID: 36636079 PMCID: PMC9830357 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a globally prevalent gastrointestinal tumor. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new type of transcript which has become a hotspot of current research; however, the function of most lncRNAs in the advancement of GC is still not clear. The focus of this research was to elucidate the role and expression of lncRNA CNALPTC1 in GC. Methods In GC cells and tissues, the detection of CNALPTC1 expression was carried out using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the link between its expression and clinicopathological features was investigated. The impacts of inhibition and upregulation of CNALPTC1 on the physiological behavior of GC cells were observed. Furthermore, through bioinformatics analysis and prediction of microRNA (miRNA) targeted to CNALPTC1 and target genes interacting with miRNA, the effects on invasion, proliferation, and migration of GC cells were investigated. Results The elevated expression level of CNALPTC1 was observed in GC tissues and cell lines. The in vitro analysis indicated that gene silencing of CNALPTC1 resulted in inhibition, whereas upregulation of CNALPTC1 resulted in the promotion of invasion, proliferation, and migration of GC cells, respectively. In addition, we observed that CNALPTC1 functions as a molecular sponge for miR-6788-5p, and the level of expression of CNALPTC1 exhibited a negative correlation with miR-6788-5p. Moreover, it was revealed that the miR-6788-5p's direct target was PAK1, which could reverse the inhibitory function of miR-6788-5p. Conclusions Our research revealed that the CNALPTC1 promotes GC development by negatively regulating the miR-6788-5p/PAK1 pathway. GC therapy may be improved by conducting targeted studies of the CNALPTC1/miR-6788-5p/PAK1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bibo Tan
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zihao Chen
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shi Li
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Pingan Ding
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoya Li
- Department of Scientific Research Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yong Li
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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22
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Li X, Li F. p21-Activated Kinase: Role in Gastrointestinal Cancer and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194736. [PMID: 36230657 PMCID: PMC9563254 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Gastrointestinal tumors are the most common tumors with a high mortality rate worldwide. Numerous protein kinases have been studied in anticipation of finding viable tumor therapeutic targets, including PAK. PAK is a serine/threonine kinase that plays an important role in the malignant phenotype of tumors. The function of PAK in tumors is highlighted in cell proliferation, survival, motility, tumor cell plasticity and the tumor microenvironment, therefore providing a new possible target for clinical tumor therapy. Based on the current research works of PAK, we summarize and analyze the PAK features and signaling pathways in cells, especially the role of PAK in gastrointestinal tumors, thereby hoping to provide a theoretical basis for both the future studies of PAK and potential tumor therapeutic targets. Abstract Gastrointestinal tumors are the most common tumors, and they are leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, but their mechanisms are still unclear, which need to be clarified to discover therapeutic targets. p21-activating kinase (PAK), a serine/threonine kinase that is downstream of Rho GTPase, plays an important role in cellular signaling networks. According to the structural characteristics and activation mechanisms of them, PAKs are divided into two groups, both of which are involved in the biological processes that are critical to cells, including proliferation, migration, survival, transformation and metabolism. The biological functions of PAKs depend on a large number of interacting proteins and the signaling pathways they participate in. The role of PAKs in tumors is manifested in their abnormality and the consequential changes in the signaling pathways. Once they are overexpressed or overactivated, PAKs lead to tumorigenesis or a malignant phenotype, especially in tumor invasion and metastasis. Recently, the involvement of PAKs in cellular plasticity, stemness and the tumor microenvironment have attracted attention. Here, we summarize the biological characteristics and key signaling pathways of PAKs, and further analyze their mechanisms in gastrointestinal tumors and others, which will reveal new therapeutic targets and a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.
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23
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Xu J, Gu X, Xie Y, He R, Xu J, Xiong L, Peng X, Yang G. Characterization of a novel cysteine protease inhibitor in Baylisascaris schroederi migratory larvae and its role in regulating mice immune cell response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894820. [PMID: 36105820 PMCID: PMC9464942 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Baylisascaris schroederi (B. schroederi) is a severe threat to the survival of giant pandas. Currently, the immune regulation mechanism of B. schroederi is poorly understood. Cysteine protease inhibitors (CPI) play important roles in the regulation of host immune responses against certain nematodes. In this study, a recombinant CPI of B. schroederi migratory larvae (rBsCPI-1) was cloned and expressed, and the effects of rBsCPI-1 on the physiological activities and antigen presentation of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were analyzed. We also analyzed the regulatory effects of rBsCPI-1 on the proliferation and differentiation of CD4+ T cells. And further identified the signaling pathways which play important roles in this process. The results showed that rBsCPI-1 activated the TLR2/4-small Rho GTPases-PAK1 pathway. On the one hand, it increased the phagocytosis and migration of MDMs. On the other hand, it activated downstream MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways to induce apoptosis of MDMs. rBsCPI-1 also induced MDMs to polarize to the M2 subtype, thereby exerting an immunosuppressive effect. Meanwhile, rBsCPI-1 inhibited the antigen presentation process by decreasing the expression of MHC-II molecules, further inhibiting the proliferation of CD4+ T cells and inducing a Th1/Th2 mixed immune response. Treg cells with immunosuppressive effects were increased. The PD-L2/PD-1 and CD80/CTLA-4 signaling pathways between MDMs and CD4+ T cells were also activated by rBsCPI-1. In conclusion, this study preliminarily confirmed that rBsCPI-1 affects the physiological activities and polarization of MDMs through the TLR2/4 signaling pathway, and further interferes with antigen presentation response, inducing CD4+ T cells to play an immunosuppressive cellular response during the migratory process of B. schroederi. Thus, this study will provide a reference for elucidating the immune evasion mechanism of B. schroederi and developing new drugs and protective vaccines against B. schroederi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Xu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Lang Xiong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Xuerong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Guangyou Yang,
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Choi S, Lee YR, Kim KM, Choi E, Jeon BH. Dual Function of Secreted APE1/Ref-1 in TNBC Tumorigenesis: An Apoptotic Initiator and a Regulator of Chronic Inflammatory Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169021. [PMID: 36012284 PMCID: PMC9409365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The simultaneous regulation of cancer cells and inflammatory immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can be an effective strategy in treating aggressive breast cancer types, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox effector factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) is a multi-functional nuclear protein that can be stimulated and then secreted. The extracellular APE1/Ref-1 causes a reduction in disulfide bonds in cytokine receptors, resulting in their conformational changes, thereby inhibiting inflammatory signaling. Furthermore, the secreted APE1/Ref-1 in response to acetylation has been shown to bind to a receptor for the advanced glycation end product (RAGE), initiating the apoptotic cell death of TNBC in vitro and in vivo. This study used PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1 in an adenovirus vector (Ad-PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1) for the constant expression of extracellular APE1/Ref-1, and our results demonstrated its dual function as an apoptotic initiator and inflammation regulator. Injecting MDA-MB 231 orthotopic xenografts with the Ad-PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1 inhibited tumor growth and development in response to acetylation. Moreover, Ad-PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1 generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and tumor tissues derived from these xenografts exhibited apoptotic bodies. Compared to normal mice, a comparable ratio of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed in the plasma of Ad-PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1-injected mice. Mechanistically, the disturbed cytokine receptor by reducing activity of PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1 inhibited inflammatory signaling leading to the inactivation of the p21-activated kinase 1-mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/nuclear factor-κB axis in tumor tissues. These results suggest that the regulation of inflammatory signaling with adenoviral-mediated PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1 in tumors modulates the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in TME, thereby inhibiting aggressive cancer cell progression, and could be considered as a promising and safe therapeutic strategy for treating TNBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunga Choi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosystems, Seongnam Campus of Korea Polytechnics, Seongnam-si 13122, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-739-4140; Fax: +82-31-739-3375
| | - Yu-Ran Lee
- Research Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Korea
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Ki-Mo Kim
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daejeon 34054, Korea
| | - Euna Choi
- Department of Biology, Union University, Jackson, TN 38305, USA
| | - Byeong-Hwa Jeon
- Research Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Korea
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Korea
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25
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Vergara N, de Mier MVPR, Rodelo-Haad C, Revilla-González G, Membrives C, Díaz-Tocados JM, Martínez-Moreno JM, Torralbo AI, Herencia C, Rodríguez-Ortiz ME, López-Baltanás R, Richards WG, Felsenfeld A, Almadén Y, Martin-Malo A, Ureña J, Santamaría R, Soriano S, Rodríguez M, Muñoz-Castañeda JR. The direct effect of fibroblast growth factor 23 on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and function. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2022; 38:322-343. [PMID: 35867864 PMCID: PMC9923714 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfac220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, increased levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are associated with cardiovascular mortality. The relationship between FGF23 and heart hypertrophy has been documented, however, it is not known whether FGF23 has an effect on vasculature. Vascular smooth muscle cells VSMCs may exhibit different phenotypes; our hypothesis is that FGF23 favours a switch from a contractile to synthetic phenotype that may cause vascular dysfunction. Our objective was to determine whether FGF23 may directly control a change in VSMC phenotype. METHODS This study includes in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experiments and evaluation of patients with CKD stages 2-3 studying a relationship between FGF23 and vascular dysfunction. RESULTS In vitro studies show that high levels of FGF23, by acting on its specific receptor FGFR1 and Erk1/2, causes a change in the phenotype of VSMCs from contractile to synthetic. This change is mediated by a downregulation of miR-221/222, which augments the expression of MAP3K2 and PAK1. miR-221/222 transfections recovered the contractile phenotype of VSMCs. Infusion of recombinant FGF23 to rats increased vascular wall thickness, with VSMCs showing a synthetic phenotype with a reduction of miR-221 expression. Ex-vivo studies on aortic rings demonstrate also that high FGF23 increases arterial stiffening. In CKD 2-3 patients, elevation of FGF23 was associated with increased pulse wave velocity and reduced plasma levels of miR-221/222. CONCLUSION In VSMCs, high levels of FGF23, through the downregulation of miR-221/222, causes a change to a synthetic phenotype. This change in VSMCs increases arterial stiffening and impairs vascular function, which might ultimately worsen cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gonzalo Revilla-González
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Departemento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Cristina Membrives
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain,University of Cordoba, Spain
| | - Juan M Díaz-Tocados
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain,University of Cordoba, Spain
| | - Julio M Martínez-Moreno
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain,University of Cordoba, Spain
| | - Ana I Torralbo
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain,University of Cordoba, Spain
| | - Carmen Herencia
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain,University of Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Rodrigo López-Baltanás
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain,University of Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Arnold Felsenfeld
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yolanda Almadén
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain,Internal Medicine Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain,Spanish Biomedical Research Networking Centre consortium for the area of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Martin-Malo
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain,University of Cordoba, Spain,Nephrology Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain,Spanish Renal Research Network (REDinREN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain, and the European Uremic Toxins group
| | - Juan Ureña
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Departemento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Sagrario Soriano
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain,University of Cordoba, Spain,Nephrology Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain,Spanish Renal Research Network (REDinREN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain, and the European Uremic Toxins group
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Broit N, Johansson PA, Rodgers CB, Walpole S, Hayward NK, Pritchard AL. Systematic review and meta-analysis of genomic alterations in acral melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2022; 35:369-386. [PMID: 35229492 PMCID: PMC9540316 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acral melanoma (AM) tumors arise on the palms, soles, fingers, toes, and nailbeds. A comprehensive systematic meta-analysis of AM genomic aberrations has not been conducted to date. A literature review was carried out to identify studies sequencing AM. Whole-genome/exome data from 181 samples were identified. Targeted panel sequencing data from MSK-IMPACT were included as a validation cohort (n = 92), and studies using targeted hot spot sequencing were also collated for BRAF (n = 26 studies), NRAS (n = 21), and KIT (n = 32). Statistical analysis indicated BRAF, NRAS, PTEN, TYRP1, and KIT as significantly mutated genes. Frequent copy-number aberrations were also found for important cancer genes, such as CDKN2A, KIT, MDM2, CCND1, CDK4, and PAK1, among others. Mapping genomic alterations within the context of the hallmarks of cancer identified four components frequently altered, including (i) sustained proliferative signaling and (ii) evading growth suppression, (iii) genome instability and mutation, and (iv) enabling replicative immortality. This analysis provides the largest analysis of genomic aberrations in AM in the literature to date and highlights pathways that may be therapeutically targetable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Broit
- Oncogenomics GroupQIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Peter A. Johansson
- Oncogenomics GroupQIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Chloe B. Rodgers
- Genetics and Immunology GroupUniversity of the Highlands and IslandsInvernessUK
| | - Sebastian T. Walpole
- Oncogenomics GroupQIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Nicholas K. Hayward
- Oncogenomics GroupQIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Antonia L. Pritchard
- Oncogenomics GroupQIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Genetics and Immunology GroupUniversity of the Highlands and IslandsInvernessUK
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27
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Wang Y, Guo F. Group I PAKs in myelin formation and repair of the central nervous system: what, when, and how. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:615-639. [PMID: 34811887 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are a family of cell division control protein 42/ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Cdc42/Rac1)-activated serine/threonine kinases. Group I PAKs (PAK1-3) have distinct activation mechanisms from group II PAKs (PAK4-6) and are the focus of this review. In transformed cancer cells, PAKs regulate a variety of cellular processes and molecular pathways which are also important for myelin formation and repair in the central nervous system (CNS). De novo mutations in group I PAKs are frequently seen in children with neurodevelopmental defects and white matter anomalies. Group I PAKs regulate virtually every aspect of neuronal development and function. Yet their functions in CNS myelination and remyelination remain incompletely defined. Herein, we highlight the current understanding of PAKs in regulating cellular and molecular pathways and discuss the status of PAK-regulated pathways in oligodendrocyte development. We point out outstanding questions and future directions in the research field of group I PAKs and oligodendrocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shriners Hospitals for Children/School of Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), University of California, Davis, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA, 95817, U.S.A
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Department of Neurology, Shriners Hospitals for Children/School of Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), University of California, Davis, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA, 95817, U.S.A
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28
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Wright GM, Gimbrone NT, Sarcar B, Percy TR, Gordián ER, Kinose F, Sumi NJ, Rix U, Cress WD. CDK4/6 inhibition synergizes with inhibition of P21-Activated Kinases (PAKs) in lung cancer cell lines. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252927. [PMID: 34138895 PMCID: PMC8211232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Theoretically, small molecule CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is) represent a logical therapeutic option in non-small cell lung cancers since most of these malignancies have wildtype RB, the key target of CDKs and master regulator of the cell cycle. Unfortunately, CDK4/6is are found to have limited clinical activity as single agents in non-small cell lung cancer. To address this problem and to identify effective CDK4/6i combinations, we screened a library of targeted agents for efficacy in four non-small cell lung cancer lines treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors Palbociclib or Abemaciclib. The pan-PAK (p21-activated kinase) inhibitor PF03758309 emerged as a promising candidate with viability ratios indicating synergy in all 4 cell lines and for both CDK4/6is. It is noteworthy that the PAKs are downstream effectors of small GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42 and are overexpressed in a wide variety of cancers. Individually the compounds primarily induced cell cycle arrest; however, the synergistic combination induced apoptosis, accounting for the synergy. Surprisingly, while the pan-PAK inhibitor PF03758309 synergizes with CDK4/6is, no synergy occurs with group I PAK inhibitors FRAX486 or FRAX597. Cell lines treated only with Ribociclib, FRAX486 or FRAX597 underwent G1/G0 arrest, whereas combination treatment with these compounds predominantly resulted in autophagy. Combining high concentrations of FRAX486, which weakly inhibits PAK4, and Ribociclib, mimics the autophagy and apoptotic effect of PF03758309 combined with Ribociclib. FRAX597, a PAKi that does not inhibit PAK4 did not reduce autophagy in combination with Ribociclib. Our results suggest that a unique combination of PAKs plays a crucial role in the synergy of PAK inhibitors with CDK4/6i. Targeting this unique PAK combination, could greatly improve the efficacy of CDK4/6i and broaden the spectrum of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela M. Wright
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nick T. Gimbrone
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Bhaswati Sarcar
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Trent R. Percy
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Edna R. Gordián
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Fumi Kinose
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Natália J. Sumi
- Department of Drug Discovery, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Uwe Rix
- Department of Drug Discovery, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - W. Douglas Cress
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Hawley E, Gehlhausen J, Karchugina S, Chow HY, Araiza-Olivera D, Radu M, Smith A, Burks C, Jiang L, Li X, Bessler W, Masters A, Edwards D, Burgin C, Jones D, Yates C, Clapp DW, Chernoff J, Park SJ. PAK1 inhibition reduces tumor size and extends the lifespan of mice in a genetically engineered mouse model of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1607-1617. [PMID: 34075397 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2) is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome in which germline haploinsufficiency at the NF2 gene confers a greatly increased propensity for tumor development arising from tissues of neural crest derived origin. NF2 encodes the tumor suppressor, Merlin, and its biochemical function is incompletely understood. One well established function of Merlin is as a negative regulator of group A serine/threonine p21 activated kinases (PAKs). In these studies we explore the role of PAK1 and its closely related paralog, PAK2, both pharmacologically and genetically, in Merlin deficient Schwann cells and in a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) that develops spontaneous vestibular and spinal schwannomas. We demonstrate that PAK1 and PAK2 are both hyper activated in Merlin deficient murine schwannomas. In preclinical trials, a pan Group A PAK inhibitor, FRAX-1036, transiently reduced PAK1 and PAK2 phosphorylation in vitro, but had insignificant efficacy in vivo. NVS-PAK1-1, a PAK1 selective inhibitor, had a greater but still minimal effect on our GEMM phenotype. However, genetic ablation of Pak1 but not Pak2 reduced tumor formation in our NF2 GEMM. Moreover, germline genetic deletion of Pak1 was well tolerated while conditional deletion of Pak2 in Schwann cells resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. These data support the further development of PAK1-specific small molecule inhibitors and the therapeutic targeting of PAK1 in vestibular schwannomas and argue against PAK1 and PAK2 existing as functionally redundant protein isoforms in Schwann cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Hawley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jeffrey Gehlhausen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sofiia Karchugina
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hoi-Yee Chow
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Maria Radu
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Abbi Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Ciersten Burks
- Department of Otolaryngology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Waylan Bessler
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Andrea Masters
- Clinical Pharmacology Analytical Core, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Donna Edwards
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Callie Burgin
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - David Jones
- Clinical Pharmacology Analytical Core, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Charles Yates
- Department of Otolaryngology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - D Wade Clapp
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Su-Jung Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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30
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Shi W, Ma D, Cao Y, Hu L, Liu S, Yan D, Zhang S, Zhang G, Wang Z, Wu J, Jiang C. SphK2/S1P Promotes Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Through the PAK1/LIMK1/Cofilin1 Signaling Pathway. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:598218. [PMID: 33968977 PMCID: PMC8100449 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.598218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) features a poor prognosis, which is partially attributed to its high metastatic rate. However, there is no effective target for systemic TNBC therapy due to the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors (ER, PR, and HER-2, respectively) in cancer. In the present study, we evaluated the role of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) and its catalyst sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in TNBC metastasis and the effect of the SphK2-specific inhibitor ABC294640 on TNBC metastasis. Methods The function of SphK2 and S1P in TNBC cell metastasis was evaluated using transwell migration and wound-healing assays. The molecular mechanism of SphK2/S1P mediating TNBC metastasis was investigated using Western blot, histological examination, and immunohistochemistry assays. The antitumor activity of ABC294640 was examined in an in vivo TNBC lung metastatic model. Results Sphingosine kinase 2 promoted TNBC cell migration through the generation of S1P. Targeting SphK2 with ABC294640 inhibited TNBC lung metastasis in vivo. p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), p-Lin-11/Isl-1/Mec-3 kinase 1 (LIMK1), and Cofilin1 were the downstream signaling molecules of SphK2/S1P. Inhibition of PAK1 suppressed SphK2/S1P-induced TNBC cell migration. Conclusion Sphingosine kinase 2/sphingosine-1-phosphate promotes TNBC metastasis through the activation of the PAK1/LIMK1/Cofilin1 signaling pathway. ABC294640 inhibits TNBC metastasis in vivo and could be developed as a novel agent for the clinical treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongliang Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongxia Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junhua Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunping Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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31
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Yao D, Huang J, Wang J, He Z, Zhang J. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel tetrahydrothieno [2,3-c]pyridine substitued benzoyl thiourea derivatives as PAK1 inhibitors in triple negative breast cancer. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 35:1524-1538. [PMID: 32752894 PMCID: PMC7470115 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1797710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is associated with poor prognosis in several cancers, which has emerged as a promising drug targets. Based on high-throughput virtual screening strategy, tetrahydrothieno [2,3-c]pyridine scaffold was identified as an initial lead for targeting PAK1. Herein we reported our structure-based optimisation strategy to discover a potent PAK1 inhibitor (7j) which displayed potent PAK1 inhibition and antiproliferatory activity in MDA-MB-231 cells. 7j induced obviously G2/M cell cycle arrest via PAK1-cdc25c-cdc2 pathway, and also inhibited MAPK-ERK and MAPK-JNK cascade to induce MDA-MB-231 cell death. Together, these results provided a novel chemical scaffold as PAK1 inhibitor for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahong Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Drug Development Department, Shenzhen Honghui Bio-Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Drug Development Department, Shenzhen Honghui Bio-Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhendan He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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32
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Duderstadt EL, McQuaide SA, Sanders MA, Samuelson DJ. Chemical carcinogen-induced rat mammary carcinogenesis is a potential model of p21-activated kinase positive female breast cancer. Physiol Genomics 2020; 53:61-68. [PMID: 33346690 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00112.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) gene encodes a serine/threonine kinase that is overexpressed in a subset of human breast carcinomas with poor prognosis. The laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) orthologous gene is located at Mammary carcinoma susceptibility 3 (Mcs3) QTL on rat chromosome 1. We used quantitative PCR to determine effects of Mcs3 genotype and 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) exposure on Pak1 expression. There was no effect of Mcs3 genotype; however, there was a 3.5-fold higher Pak1 level in DMBA-exposed mammary glands (MGs) than in unexposed glands (P < 0.05). Sequence variants in Pak1 exons did not alter amino acid sequence between Mcs3-susceptible and -resistant strains. Protein expression of PAK1/Pak1 in human breast carcinomas and DMBA-exposed rat mammary glands was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Rat mammary glands from 12-wk-old females unexposed to DMBA were negative for Pak1, whereas 24% of carcinogen-exposed mammary glands from age-matched females stained positive for Pak1. The positive mammary glands exposed to carcinogen had no pathological signs of disease. Human breast carcinomas, used as comparative controls, had a 22% positivity rats. This was consistent with other human breast cancer studies of PAK1 expression. Similar frequencies of human/rat PAK1/Pak1 expression in female breast carcinomas and carcinogen-induced rat mammary glands, showing no visible pathogenesis of disease, suggests aberrant PAK1 expression is an early event in development of some breast cancers. Laboratory rats will be a useful experimental organism for comparative studies of Pak1-mediated mechanisms of breast carcinogenesis. Future studies of PAK1 as a diagnostic marker of early breast disease are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Duderstadt
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Sarah A McQuaide
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Mary A Sanders
- Department of Pathology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - David J Samuelson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.,James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
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33
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Venu A, Archana B, Kanumuri R, Vuttaradhi VK, D'Cruze L, Murugan S, Ganesh K, Prathiba D, Dymova MA, Rayala SK, Venkatraman G. Clinical Evaluation of P21 Activated Kinase 1 (PAK1) Activation in Gliomas and Its Effect on Cell Proliferation. Cancer Invest 2020; 39:98-113. [PMID: 33251876 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2020.1858097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastomas are the primary malignant tumors of brain tissues with poor prognosis and highly invasive phenotypes. Till now Ki-67 LI has emerged as a well-studied proliferation marker that aids in tumor grading, but labeling index alone cannot predict overall survival in gliomas. P21 activated kinase 1 (PAK1) - a serine/threonine kinase has been shown to function as downstream nodule for various oncogenic signaling pathways that promote neoplastic changes. This study is designed to evaluate the expression of PAK1 across various grades and its correlation with Ki-67 LI and overall survival rates among a total number of 140 clinical brain tumors of glioma patients. We also studied the activation status of phospho PAK1 in glioma tissues and established the role of PAK1 in proliferation of glioblatoma cell lines under γ-irradiation.This study provides molecular evidence signifying the role of PAK1 and its activation status in the progression of Gliomas to more aggressive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akkanapally Venu
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Balasubramanian Archana
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Rahul Kanumuri
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | | | - Lawrence D'Cruze
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Sowmiya Murugan
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Krishnamurthy Ganesh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Duvuru Prathiba
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, India
| | - Mayya Alexandrovna Dymova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Suresh Kumar Rayala
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Ganesh Venkatraman
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
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34
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Liposomes Targeting P21 Activated Kinase-1 (PAK-1) and Selective for Secretory Phospholipase A 2 (sPLA 2) Decrease Cell Viability and Induce Apoptosis in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249396. [PMID: 33321758 PMCID: PMC7764208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
P21 activated kinases (or group I PAKs) are serine/threonine kinases whose expression is altered in prostate and breast cancers. PAK-1 activity is inhibited by the small molecule "Inhibitor targeting PAK-1 activation-3" (IPA-3), which has selectivity for PAK-1 but is metabolically unstable. Secretory Group IIA phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) expression correlates to increased metastasis and decreased survival in many cancers. We previously designed novel liposomal formulations targeting both PAK-1 and sPLA2, called Secretory Phospholipase Responsive liposomes or SPRL-IPA-3, and demonstrated their ability to alter prostate cancer growth. The efficacy of SPRL against other types of cancers is not well understood. We addressed this limitation by determining the ability of SPRL to induce cell death in a diverse panel of cells representing different stages of breast cancer, including the invasive but non-metastatic MCF-7 cells, and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells such as MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-435. We investigated the role of sPLA2 in the disposition of these liposomes by comparing the efficacy of SPRL-IPA-3 to IPA-3 encapsulated in sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL-IPA-3), a formulation shown to be less sensitive to sPLA2. Both SSL-IPA-3 and SPRL-IPA-3 induced time- and dose-dependent decreases in MTT staining in all cell lines tested, but SPRL-IPA-3-induced effects in metastatic TNBC cell lines were superior over SSL-IPA-3. The reduction in MTT staining induced by SPRL-IPA-3 correlated to the expression of Group IIA sPLA2. sPLA2 expression also correlated to increased induction of apoptosis in TNBC cell lines by SPRL-IPA-3. These data suggest that SPRL-IPA-3 is selective for metastatic TNBC cells and that the efficacy of SPRL-IPA-3 is mediated, in part, by the expression of Group IIA sPLA2.
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35
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Sawant D, Lilly B. MicroRNA-145 targets in cancer and the cardiovascular system: evidence for common signaling pathways. VASCULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 2:R115-R128. [PMID: 33283158 PMCID: PMC7709916 DOI: 10.1530/vb-20-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
miRNAs are small regulatory RNAs which govern gene expression post-transcriptionally by primarily binding to the 3'-UTR of mRNA target genes. miR-145 is a well-studied miRNA that has been implicated in controlling a range of biological processes. miR-145 is expressed in a variety of tissues and cell types and acts as a tumor-suppressor by regulating target gene signaling pathways involved in different aspects of tumor growth and progression. There is also strong evidence that highlights the important functions of miR-145 in the cardiovascular system. Here, we review the mechanisms of miR-145 in tumorigenesis and cancer progression and compare and contrast with the roles of miR-145 in cardiovascular development and disease. We discuss the important targets of miR-145 in cancer and their possible link to the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwitiya Sawant
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brenda Lilly
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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36
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Song P, Song B, Liu J, Wang X, Nan X, Wang J. Blockage of PAK1 alleviates the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells via inhibiting ERK and AKT signaling activity. Clin Transl Oncol 2020; 23:892-901. [PMID: 32974862 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), a serine/threonine protein kinase which functions downstream of RAC and CDC42 GTPase, is activated by a variety of stimuli, including RAS and other growth signaling factors. The extracellular signal kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) signal pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancers. Whether PAK1 is sensitive to KRAS mutation signals and plays a role through ERK and AKT signaling pathways in NSCLC needs to be studied. METHODS The expression of PAK1, ERK and AKT was detected in both lung cancer cell lines and clinical samples. PAK1 RNA interference and specific inhibitor of PAK1(IPA-3) were applied to lung cancer cell lines and mouse xenograft tumors. Cell growth was measured by MTT and colony formation assays. Cell migration and invasion were detected by wound healing and transwell assays. RAS mutation was detected by Taqman probe method. Correlation between KRAS, PAK1, ERK and AKT activities was analyzed in lung cancer patients. RESULTS PAK1 was highly expressed not only in RAS mutant but also in RAS wild-type lung cancer cells. Using specific inhibitor of PAK1, IPA-3 and PAK1 RNA interference, cell proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells were reduced significantly, accompanied by decreased activities of ERK and AKT. Dual inhibition of ERK and AKT suppressed these cellular processes to levels comparable to those achieved by reduction in PAK1 expression. In NSCLC patients, PAK1 was not correlated with KRAS mutation but was significantly positively correlated with pERK and pAKT. CONCLUSION PAK1 played roles in NSCLC proliferation and invasion via ERK and AKT signaling and suggested a therapeutic target for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - B Song
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jiyan Road 440, Jjinan, China.
| | - J Liu
- Department of Respiratory Internal, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - X Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jiyan Road 440, Jjinan, China
| | - X Nan
- Department of Respiratory Internal, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - J Wang
- Department of Respiratory Internal, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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Hoque MM, Hussen MS, Kumer A, Khan MW. Synthesis of 5, 6-diaroylisoindoline-1, 3-dione and computational approaches for investigation on structural and mechanistic insights by DFT. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2020.1811866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mazharol Hoque
- Department of Chemistry, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sajib Hussen
- Department of Chemistry, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ajoy Kumer
- Department of Chemistry, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Wahab Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Xu S, Lei SL, Liu KJ, Yi SG, Yang ZL, Yao HL. circSFMBT1 promotes pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis via targeting miR-330-5p/PAK1 axis. Cancer Gene Ther 2020; 28:234-249. [PMID: 32855541 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-00215-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers that affects millions of people around the world. The prognosis of PC is poor with very limited effective treatments. Here, we fully investigated the function and underlying mechanism of circSFMBT1 (hsa_circ_0066147) in PC. Real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to examine levels of circSFMBT1, miR-330-5p, PAK1 (p21-activated kinase 1), or proliferation/metastasis-related proteins. Colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay detected the roles of circSFMBT1 and miR-330-5p in cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and invasion of PC cells, respectively. Dual luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to validate the interactions of circSFMBT1/miR-330-5p and miR-330-5p/PAK1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to examine the subcellular localization of circSFMBT1 and miR-330-5p. Subcutaneous tumor growth was monitored in nude mice and in vivo metastasis was examined as well following injection of PC cells into the tail vein. This study demonstrated that circSFMBT1 and PAK1 were up-regulated in PC tissues and cells, while miR-330-5p was down-regulated. circSFMBT1 directly bound miR-330-5p and inhibited its expression. In addition, circSFMBT1 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of PC cells through up-regulating proliferation-related proteins and down-regulating apoptosis-related proteins via miR-330-5p. miR-330-5p directly bound PAK1 mRNA and suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process via targeting PAK1 in PC cells. Further, knockdown circSFMBT1 increased miR-330-5p level, but decreased PAK1 expression and repressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Taken together, circSFMBT1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of PC via regulating miR-330-5p/PAK1 pathway as a miR-330-5p sponge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - San-Lin Lei
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Kui-Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Shen-Gen Yi
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Zhu-Lin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China.
| | - Hong-Liang Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China.
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Coordinated dysregulation of cancer progression by the HER family and p21-activated kinases. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:583-601. [PMID: 32820388 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09922-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Most epithelial cancer types are polygenic in nature and are driven by coordinated dysregulation of multiple regulatory pathways, genes, and protein modifications. The process of coordinated regulation of cancer promoting pathways in response to extrinsic and intrinsic signals facilitates the dysregulation of several pathways with complementary functions, contributing to the hallmarks of cancer. Dysregulation and hyperactivation of cell surface human epidermal growth factor receptors (HERs) and cytoskeleton remodeling by p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are two prominent interconnected aspects of oncogenesis. We briefly discuss the discoveries and significant advances in the area of coordinated regulation of HERs and PAKs in the development and progression of breast and other epithelial cancers. We also discuss how initial studies involving heregulin signaling via HER3-HER2 axis and HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells not only discovered a mechanistic role of PAK1 in breast cancer pathobiology but also acted as a bridge in generating a broader cancer research interest in other PAK family members and cancer types and catalyzed establishing the role of PAKs in human cancer, at-large. In addition, growth factor stimulation of the PAK pathway also helped to recognize new facets of PAKs, connecting the PAK pathway to oncogenesis, nuclear signaling, gene expression, mitotic progression, DNA damage response, among other phenotypic responses, and shaped the field of PAK cancer research. Finally, we recount some of the current limitations of HER- and PAK-directed therapeutics in counteracting acquired therapeutic resistance and discuss how cancer's as a polygenic disease may be best targeted with a polygenic approach.
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Kanumuri R, Saravanan R, Pavithra V, Sundaram S, Rayala SK, Venkatraman G. Current trends and opportunities in targeting p21 activated kinase-1(PAK1) for therapeutic management of breast cancers. Gene 2020; 760:144991. [PMID: 32717309 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Identifying reliable biomarkers and druggable molecular targets pose to be a significant quest in breast cancer research. p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a serine/threonine kinase that direct cell motility, cytoskeletal remodelling, and has been shown to function as a downstream regulator for various cancer signalling cascades that promote cell proliferation, apoptosis deregulation and hasten mitotic abnormalities, resulting in tumor formation and progression. The heterogeneity and acquired drug resistance are important factors that challenge the treatment of breast cancer. p21-activated kinase 1 signalling is crucial for activation of the Ras/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Wnt signalling cascades which regulate cell survival, cell cycle progression, differentiation, and proliferation. A study involving proteogenomics analysis on breast cancer tissues showed the PAK1 as outlier kinase. In addition to this, few outlier molecules were identified specific to subtypes of breast cancer. A few substrates of PAK1 in breast cancer are already known. In this paper, we have discussed a similar approach called Kinase Interacting Substrate Screening (KISS) for the identification of novel oncogenic substrates of p21-activated kinase specific to subtypes of breast cancer. Such high throughput approaches are expected to accelerate the process of identifying novel drug targets and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Kanumuri
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India; Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Roshni Saravanan
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - V Pavithra
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Sandhya Sundaram
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Suresh K Rayala
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Ganesh Venkatraman
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
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Moloudizargari M, Asghari MH, Nabavi SF, Gulei D, Berindan-Neagoe I, Bishayee A, Nabavi SM. Targeting Hippo signaling pathway by phytochemicals in cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:183-194. [PMID: 32428716 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current era of cancer research has been continuously advancing upon identifying novel aspects of tumorigenesis and the principal mechanisms behind the unleashed proliferation, invasion, drug resistance and immortality of cancer cells in hopes of exploiting these findings to achieve a more effective treatment for cancer. In pursuit of this goal, the identification of the first components of an extremely important regulatory pathway in Drosophila melanogaster that largely determines cell fate during the developmental stages, ended up in the discovery of the highly sophisticated Hippo signaling cascade. Soon after, it was revealed that deregulation of the components of this pathway either via mutations or through epigenetic alterations can be observed in a vast variety of tumors and these alterations greatly contribute to the neoplastic transformation of cells, their survival, growth and resistance to therapy. As more hidden aspects of this pathway such as its widespread entanglement with other major cellular signaling pathways are continuously being uncovered, many researchers have sought over the past decade to find ways of therapeutic interventions targeting the major components of the Hippo cascade. To date, various approaches such as the use of exogenous targeting miRNAs and different molecular inhibitors have been recruited herein, among which naturally occurring compounds have shown a great promise. On such a basis, in the present work we review the current understanding of Hippo pathway and the most recent evidence on targeting its components using natural plant-derived phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Moloudizargari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717443, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717647745, Iran; Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717647745, Iran.
| | - Seyed Fazel Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran
| | - Diana Gulei
- MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania; Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran.
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Xue Y, Bhushan B, Mars WM, Bowen W, Tao J, Orr A, Stoops J, Yu Y, Luo J, Duncan AW, Michalopoulos GK. Phosphorylated Ezrin (Thr567) Regulates Hippo Pathway and Yes-Associated Protein (Yap) in Liver. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:1427-1437. [PMID: 32289287 PMCID: PMC10069283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The activation of CD81 [the portal of entry of hepatitis C virus (HCV)] by agonistic antibody results in phosphorylation of Ezrin via Syk kinase and is associated with inactivation of the Hippo pathway and increase in yes-associated protein (Yap1). The opposite occurs when glypican-3 or E2 protein of HCV binds to CD81. Hepatocyte-specific glypican-3 transgenic mice have decreased levels of phosphorylated (p)-Ezrin (Thr567) and Yap, increased Hippo activity, and suppressed liver regeneration. The role of Ezrin in these processes has been speculated, but not proved. We show that Ezrin has a direct role in the regulation of Hippo pathway and Yap. Forced expression of plasmids expressing mutant Ezrin (T567D) that mimics p-Ezrin (Thr567) suppressed Hippo activity and activated Yap signaling in hepatocytes in vivo and enhanced activation of pathways of β-catenin and leucine rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) and LGR5 receptors. Hepatoma cell lines JM1 and JM2 have decreased CD81 expression and Hippo activity and up-regulated p-Ezrin (T567). NSC668394, a p-Ezrin (Thr567) antagonist, significantly decreased hepatoma cell proliferation. We additionally show that p-Ezrin (T567) is controlled by epidermal growth factor receptor and MET. Ezrin phosphorylation, mediated by CD81-associated Syk kinase, is directly involved in regulation of Hippo pathway, Yap levels, and growth of normal and neoplastic hepatocytes. The finding has mechanistic and potentially therapeutic applications in hepatocyte growth biology, hepatocellular carcinoma, and HCV pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Xue
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Bharat Bhushan
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Wendy M Mars
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - William Bowen
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anne Orr
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Stoops
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yanping Yu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jianhua Luo
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew W Duncan
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Chen L, Bi S, Wei Q, Zhao Z, Wang C, Xie S. Ivermectin suppresses tumour growth and metastasis through degradation of PAK1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:5387-5401. [PMID: 32237037 PMCID: PMC7205794 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the most common form of oesophageal malignancies in the Asia‐Pacific region, remains a major clinical challenge. In this study, we found that ivermectin, an effective antiparasitic drug that has been approved for patients to orally treat onchocerciasis for over 30 years, displayed potent antitumour activity against ESCC cells in vitro and in nude mice. We demonstrated that ivermectin significantly inhibited cell viability and colony formation, and induced apoptosis through a mitochondrial‐dependent manner in ESCC cells. Ivermectin also abrogated ESCC cell migration, invasion, as well as the protein levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. Mechanistically, ivermectin strongly inhibited the expression of PAK1; by further gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments, we confirmed that PAK1 played a crucial role in ivermectin‐mediated inhibitory effects on ESCC cells. In addition, the data indicated that ivermectin promoted PAK1 degradation through the proteasome‐dependent pathway. Additionally, ivermectin synergized with chemotherapeutic drugs including cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil to induce apoptosis of ESCC cells. Interestingly, the in vivo experiments also confirmed that ivermectin effectively suppressed tumour growth and lung metastasis of ESCC. Collectively, these results indicate that ivermectin exerts a potent antitumour activity against ESCC and is a promising therapeutic candidate drug for ESCC patients, even those carrying metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shuning Bi
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qiuren Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhijun Zhao
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Luohe Medical College, Luohe, China
| | - Chaojie Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Songqiang Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Yang J, Chen S, Yang Y, Ma X, Shao B, Yang S, Wei Y, Wei X. Jumonji domain-containing protein 6 protein and its role in cancer. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12747. [PMID: 31961032 PMCID: PMC7046477 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The jumonji domain‐containing protein 6 (JMJD6) is a Fe(II)‐ and 2‐oxoglutarate (2OG)‐dependent oxygenase that catalyses lysine hydroxylation and arginine demethylation of histone and non‐histone peptides. Recently, the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of JMJD6 has also been reported. The JMJD6 has been implicated in embryonic development, cellular proliferation and migration, self‐tolerance induction in the thymus, and adipocyte differentiation. Not surprisingly, abnormal expression of JMJD6 may contribute to the development of many diseases, such as neuropathic pain, foot‐and‐mouth disease, gestational diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C and various types of cancer. In the present review, we summarized the structure and functions of JMJD6, with particular emphasis on the role of JMJD6 in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanfei Yang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Wang Q, Li Z, Hu Y, Zheng W, Tang W, Zhai C, Gu Z, Tao J, Wang H. Circ-TFCP2L1 Promotes the Proliferation and Migration of Triple Negative Breast Cancer through Sponging miR-7 by Inhibiting PAK1. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:323-331. [PMID: 31776835 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-019-09440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are essential factors that have been verified to regulate various forms of carcinogenesis. However, the role of circRNAs in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumourigenesis is not well clarified. In this study, we explored the circRNA expression profiles and possible modulation mechanism of circRNAs on triple negative breast cancer tumourigenesis. We used three pairs of triple negative breast cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues to perform a human circRNA microarray for screening of circRNA expression patterns in TNBC. The results showed that circ-TFCP2L1 was significantly up-regulated in TNBC tissues and cells, tending to have a shorter disease-free survival of TNBC patients. In vitro loss-of-function experiments showed that knockdown of circ-TFCP2L1 significantly suppressed the proliferation and migration of TNBC cells. Moreover, the results showed that the proliferation and migration capabilities and PAK1 expression in TNBC cells treated with si-circ-TFCP2L1 + miR-7 mimics were significantly suppressed compared with the normal group. Therefore, circ-TFCP2L1 was identified as a sponge of miR-7 functionally targeting PAK1 and further promoting the proliferation and migration of TNBC cells. Taken together, the results from our study reveal a novel regulatory mechanism and offer novel insight into the role of circ-TFCP2L1 in progression of triple negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhouxiao Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Yun Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wubin Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changyuan Zhai
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Pukou Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhutong Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Pukou Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Pukou Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hanjin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Wu F, Zhou J. CircAGFG1 promotes cervical cancer progression via miR-370-3p/RAF1 signaling. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:1067. [PMID: 31703640 PMCID: PMC6842182 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6269-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In past decades, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have achieved increasing attention because of its regulatory role in different kinds of cancers. However, how circAGFG1 regulates cervical cancer (CC) is still largely undiscovered. This study aims to evaluate the role of a novel circRNAs and related molecular mechanism in CC cells. Methods High or low level of circAGFG1 was detected in CC cells or normal cell line with qRT-PCR. The proliferative and migratory abilities of CC cells were assessed with loss-of function assays. The downstream miRNA and mRNA of circAGFG1 were searched out and proved by using bioinformatics analysis and mechanism experiments. Recue assays were designed to confirm the role of circAGFG1/miR-370-3p/RAF1 axis in CC cell activities. Results The levels of circAGFG1 was abundant in CC cells in comparison with normal cervical cell End1/E6E7. The inhibitory effect of decreased circAGFG1 level on the proliferative and migratory abilities of CC cells was assessed. CircAGFG1 and miR-370-3p were localized in the cytoplasm and they can interact with each other. Moreover, miR-370-3p was downregulated in CC cells. We also determined the negative effect of miR-370-3p on RAF1. CircAGFG1 could promote RAF1 expression by absorbing miR-370-3p, thereby activating RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. circAGFG1 promoted proliferation and migration of CC cells via enhancing the activity of RAF/MEK/ERK pathway by sponging miR-370-3p and further regulating RAF1. Conclusion The results of this study provided new evidence that circAGFG1 acted as a vital regulator in cervical cancer proliferation and migration, giving great promise to apply it as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and therapy in CC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqin Wu
- Department of Gynecology, Shangluo Central Hospital, Shangluo City, 726000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- Department of Gynaecology, Ankang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.47, Bashan Road(east), Hanbin District, Ankang City, 725000, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Najahi‐Missaoui W, Quach ND, Jenkins A, Dabke I, Somanath PR, Cummings BS. Effect of P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK-1) inhibition on cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019; 7:e00518. [PMID: 31516713 PMCID: PMC6728842 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
P21-activated kinase-1 (PAK-1) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in multiple signaling pathways that mediate cellular functions such as cytoskeletal motility, cell proliferation, and survival. PAK-1 expression is altered in various cancers, including prostate and breast. Our recent studies showed that prostate cancer cells expressing higher levels of PAK-1 were resistant to the cytotoxic effects of the PAK-1 inhibitor, inhibitor targeting PAK-1 activation-3 (IPA-3), compared to those with lower expression. This study expanded these findings to other cancers (breast and melanoma) by testing the hypothesis that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PAK-1 alters cell growth, migration, and invasion in prostate, breast, and skin cancer cell lines. We also tested the specificity of IPA-3 for PAK-1 and the hypothesis that gene silencing of PAK-1 altered the efficacy of sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) containing IPA-3 (SSL-IPA-3). PAK-1 expression was identified in four different breast cancer cell lines, and in a melanoma cell line. The expression of PAK-1 correlated to the IC50 of IPA-3 as measured by MTT staining. PAK-1 inhibition using shRNA correlated with decreased cell migration and invasion in prostate cancer DU-145 and breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Decreased migration and invasion also correlated to decreased expression of E-cadherin and alterations in C-X-C Chemokine Receptor type 4 and Homing Cell Adhesion Molecule expression. PAK-1 inhibition increased the cytotoxicity of IPA-3, and the cytotoxicity of SSL-IPA-3 to levels comparable to that of free drug. These data demonstrate that both pharmacological and molecular inhibition of PAK-1 decreased growth in prostate, breast, and melanoma cancer cell lines, and increased the toxicity of IPA-3 and its liposomal formulation. These data also show the specificity of IPA-3 for PAK-1, are some of the first data suggesting that IPA-3 is a therapeutic treatment for breast cancer and melanoma, and demonstrate the efficacy of liposome-encapsulated IPA-3 in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wided Najahi‐Missaoui
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Nhat D. Quach
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Present address:
Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, & BiotechnologyBrown UniversityProvidenceRIUSA
| | - Amber Jenkins
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Present address:
Cancer Center of Middle GeorgiaDublinGAUSA
| | - Isha Dabke
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Present address:
Medical College of GeorgiaAugustaGAUSA
| | - Payaningal R. Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of PharmacyUniversity of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterAugustaGAUSA
- Department of Medicine, Vascular Biology Center and Cancer CenterGeorgia Regents UniversityAugustaGAUSA
| | - Brian S. Cummings
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology ProgramUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
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Rezatabar S, Karimian A, Rameshknia V, Parsian H, Majidinia M, Kopi TA, Bishayee A, Sadeghinia A, Yousefi M, Monirialamdari M, Yousefi B. RAS/MAPK signaling functions in oxidative stress, DNA damage response and cancer progression. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14951-14965. [PMID: 30811039 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways organize a great constitution network that regulates several physiological processes, like cell growth, differentiation, and apoptotic cell death. Due to the crucial importance of this signaling pathway, dysregulation of the MAPK signaling cascades is involved in the pathogenesis of various human cancer types. Oxidative stress and DNA damage are two important factors which in common lead to carcinogenesis through dysregulation of this signaling pathway. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a common subproduct of oxidative energy metabolism and are considered to be a significant physiological modulator of several intracellular signaling pathways including the MAPK pathway. Studies demonstrated that the MAP kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 were activated in response to oxidative stress. In addition, DNA damage is a partly common circumstance in cell life and may result in mutation, cancer, and even cell death. Recently, accumulating evidence illustrated that the MEK/ERK pathway is associated with the suitable performance of cellular DNA damage response (DDR), the main pathway of tumor suppression. During DDR, the MEK/ERK pathway is regularly activated, which contributes to the appropriate activation of DDR checkpoints to inhibit cell division. Therefore, the aim of this review is to comprehensively discuss the critical function of MAPK signaling in oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Setareh Rezatabar
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ansar Karimian
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Cancer & Immunology Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Vahid Rameshknia
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Parsian
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Azramezani Kopi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida
| | - Ali Sadeghinia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Knippler CM, Saji M, Rajan N, Porter K, La Perle KMD, Ringel MD. MAPK- and AKT-activated thyroid cancers are sensitive to group I PAK inhibition. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:699-712. [PMID: 31146260 PMCID: PMC7062234 DOI: 10.1530/erc-19-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The number of individuals who succumb to thyroid cancer has been increasing and those who are refractory to standard care have limited therapeutic options, highlighting the importance of developing new treatments for patients with aggressive forms of the disease. Mutational activation of MAPK signaling, through BRAF and RAS mutations and/or gene rearrangements, and activation of PI3K signaling, through mutational activation of PIK3CA or loss of PTEN, are well described in aggressive thyroid cancer. We previously reported overactivation and overexpression of p21-activated kinases (PAKs) in aggressive human thyroid cancer invasive fronts and determined that PAK1 functionally regulated thyroid cancer cell migration. We reported mechanistic crosstalk between the MAPK and PAK pathways that are BRAF-dependent but MEK independent, suggesting that PAK and MEK inhibition might be synergistic. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis. Pharmacologic inhibition of group I PAKs using two PAK kinase inhibitors, G-5555 or FRAX1036, reduced thyroid cancer cell viability, cell cycle progression and migration and invasion, with greater potency for G-5555. Combination of G-5555 with vemurafenib was synergistic in BRAFV600E-mutated thyroid cancer cell lines. Finally, G-5555 restrained thyroid size of BRAFV600E-driven murine papillary thyroid cancer by >50% (P < 0.0001) and reduced carcinoma formation (P = 0.0167), despite maintenance of MAPK activity. Taken together, these findings suggest both that group I PAKs may be a new therapeutic target for thyroid cancer and that PAK activation is functionally important for BRAFV600E-mediated thyroid cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Knippler
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Motoyasu Saji
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Neel Rajan
- College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kyle Porter
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Krista M. D. La Perle
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Comparative Pathology & Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew D. Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Matthew D. Ringel, MD, Ralph W. Kurtz Professor of Medicine, Director, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University College of Medicine & Comprehensive Cancer Center, McCampbell Hall, Room 565, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, Tel: 614-685-3333,
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RAC1 Takes the Lead in Solid Tumors. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050382. [PMID: 31027363 PMCID: PMC6562738 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Three GTPases, RAC, RHO, and Cdc42, play essential roles in coordinating many cellular functions during embryonic development, both in healthy cells and in disease conditions like cancers. We have presented patterns of distribution of the frequency of RAC1-alteration(s) in cancers as obtained from cBioPortal. With this background data, we have interrogated the various functions of RAC1 in tumors, including proliferation, metastasis-associated phenotypes, and drug-resistance with a special emphasis on solid tumors in adults. We have reviewed the activation and regulation of RAC1 functions on the basis of its sub-cellular localization in tumor cells. Our review focuses on the role of RAC1 in cancers and summarizes the regulatory mechanisms, inhibitory efficacy, and the anticancer potential of RAC1-PAK targeting agents.
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